Leos/Bombers Keys to the Game

The Place for BC Lion Discussion. A forum for Lions fans to talk and chat about our team.
Discussion, News, Information and Speculation regarding the BC Lions and the CFL.
Prowl, Growl and Roar!

Moderator: Team Captains

Blitz
Team Captain
Posts: 9094
Joined: Fri Jul 22, 2005 8:44 am

The 3-1 Winnipeg Blue Bombers take on our 2-2 B. C. Lions in a key early West Division matchup on Friday night. Our Leos are coming off a big win against the Montreal Als and want to continue their two game winning streak while the Bombers dropped their first game of the season last weekend to the undefeated Edmonton Eskimos and will be looking to get back on the winning track after starting the season 3-0.

Lets have a closer look at this matchup.

OFFENCE

Our Leos offence looked lost in our first two games but have turned things around behind an excellent running game in our last two victories. The passing attack has also benefited from our ability to run the football.

Our Lions are the league leaders in rushing. Andrew Harris leads the league in rushing and yards from scrimmage and is second in combined yards. Stephan Logan is 8th in league rushing and first in the CFL in combined yards. Both players are the keys to moving the football forward for our Leos.

Surprisingly, based upon two rough offensive outings to begin the season our offence is second in the CFL in yards of offence from scrimmage and third in average yards of offence per game. We're presently fifth in percentage passing, mostly the result of too much pressure on our quarterback in our first four games. We've given up 15 sacks so far, in only four games, even with the quick release Kevin Glenn at the helm.

In the passing attack we have 3 receivers in the Top 10. Andrew Harris is 3rd in the CFL in pass receiving, Arsenault is 5th and Courtney Taylor is 7th.

The Bombers come into this game with Nic Grimsley as their main weapon. He is second in the CFL behind Harris in rushing and combined yards. The Bombers also have three receivers in the Top 10 with Moore 4th in receiving and Denmark 8th and Kelly 8th. Drew Willy is 2nd in passing yardage in the CFL. Winnipeg is 6th in rushing and fourth in total offence. But Winnipeg scores - they are leading the CFL in scoring points.

Winnipeg's offence has not been as good as ours overall, so far this season and like our Leos they have done a poor job of protecting their quarterback. They are tied with our Leos for 7th in giving up quarterback sacks as Willy has been sacked 15 times also in four games.

DEFENSE

Our Leos defence has a lot of talent to shine in this game. Our Leos defense has given up the least passing yards, the lowest average yd. per catch, and are the toughest defense to throw against in terms of passes completed. But we've been weak against the run so far. We've given up the most rushing yards so far in the CFL and are 7th in rushing yards per game.

Khalif Mitchell and Jamal Johnson were supposed to help bolster our run defense game this season but so far our line and linebackers have not gotten the job done. Nor have we improved our pass rush. We're 7th in the CFL so far in quarterback sacks.

Individually Sol E. leads the CFL in tackles and Adam Bighill is 3rd. However that has not translated into being a top rush defense team so far in 2014. However, when both passing yards against and rushing yards against are combined our Leos defense is 2nd in the CFL in having the lowest average yards against.

The Bombers may have scored the most points in the league but their defense has also given up the most points in the West Division. Winnipeg`s defense is 5th against the run and 6th in terms of pass defense. They are tied for 4th in the CFL in getting to the quarterback so far, with 11 sacks.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Stefan Logan is 2nd in the CFL in punt return yardage but he is only 5th in punt return average with an 8.8 yd. punt return average. Logan is also second in the CFL in kickoff return yardage but once gain his average gain per return is not up there, only 6th amongst kick return players.

Winnipeg`s Wood`s is 4th in the CFL in return yards but has a better return average (9.9 yds) than Logan.

Schmitt will not play in this game but our punt team is only 6th in net average return and Schmitt is only tied for 6th in terms of punt average (42.9 yds per punt) Winnipeg`s two punters have a slightly better combined punt average.

KEYS TO THE GAME

SPREAD OUT OUR OFFENSIVE WEAPONS

Andrew Harris is our leading receiver and Arsenault and Taylor are in the TOP 10 in receiving. Good defenses key on an offence`s best players. Essentially we have been an offence that is relying on a tailback and two slotbacks in the passing attack. Therefore they will get extra attention. While we need to utilize our best weapons we also need to start including our other receivers better and also utilize Logan out of the backfield more effectively when he is in the game.

SHUT DOWN THE RUN

Our pass defense is the best in the CFL even without great pressure on quarterbacks. However our run game defense has been a disappointment and needs to be better. Mitchell is out again for this game but we did a good job against Montreal without him. However, the Bombers have an excellent tailback and we need to shut him down early and often.

SPECIAL TEAM RETURN GAME NEEDS TO IMPROVE

There is no way that Stefan Logan`s punt and kick return average should be so low. He can be electrifying if he can get an initial block or two. However that rarely happens. Its more than past time that McMann got our special team return units playing to potential. Inadequate blocking and special teams penalties are negating the talents of a very good return man in Logan.

WRAP

This is a game that gives us an opportunity to prove that we can win against a team that has gotten off to a very good start. Wins against the Riders and Montreal have gotten the ship righted but we need to beat a team that is playing well overall to solidify our direction. Winnipeg is a good test to see if that has happened.

Looking forward to this game.
"When I went to Catholic high school in Philadelphia, we just had one coach for football and basketball. He took all of us who turned out and had us run through a forest. The ones who ran into the trees were on the football team". (George Raveling)
User avatar
WestCoastJoe
Hall of Famer
Posts: 17721
Joined: Mon May 22, 2006 8:55 pm

Thanks for the preview, Blitz.

Yes, we have beaten two lacklustre teams, Regina and Montreal. Nothing to get too excited about. We seem to have the makings of a very good team.

Explosive offence. Harris. Logan. Arceneaux. Glenn. Young O Line has potential. Pass protection an issue, as it is pretty much every year, in this regime.

Defence should be better against the run than we have been. DL and LBs are top notch. Pass rush seems to me to be getting pressure, but not sacks. Not overly worried about it. Khreem has been outstanding it seems to me. Taylor also. Bazzi has shown some good signs. Westerman and Menard provide very good national contributions. Jordan is a player that seems to have high level potential IMO.

This will be a good test. A team that has played very well.

And there are no gimmes. We have to play well all year if we hope to make the playoffs.
John Madden's Team Policies: Be on time. Pay attention. Play like hell on game day.

Jimmy Johnson's Game Keys: Protect the ball. Make plays.

Walter Payton's Advice to Kids: Play hard. Play fair. Have fun.
User avatar
MexicoLionFan
Legend
Posts: 2051
Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2011 5:10 pm

As always, an outstanding breakdown Blitz...thank you once again.

Last week I was worried about MItchell being out, but after the effort that Westerman put in, I am not overly concerned this week...Mitchell is a big key for our team as he keeps Sol and Biggie free to ravage, and since week 3, Washington has allowed them to do so...Sol is #1 in tackling with Biggie #3...they will be 1/2 in another couple of weeks if this continues. As you astutely point out, our secondary is #1 vs. the pass, but our pass rush (not the responsibility of Mitchell/Taylor) is #7...we were last, we are now 7th, as Washington since game 3 has turned up the heat...HE MUST CONTINUE if the Lions expect to win games.

STs are BLAH...we don't have well coached blocking schemes, and when we do bust one, its called back on a penalty...how is Logan 5th in the league in returns with his talent? Easy answer...not great blocking and tons of penalties...and aren't these 2 things on the coach to fix?

The bottom line is that the Lions "out talent" WIN...we are at home...our OLine is another week healthier...Manny Arceneaux is coming off a dominating performance...the back 8 in our D is LOADED with talent. We should win, plain and simple NO MATTER who we were playing. WIN is beat up for this game, and we should feast on them...once again, this is on the coaches to continue their recent development...Benevides needs to shut up and make sure things are flowing the way they are supposed to. Washington needs to continue to be aggressive...and Jones needs to PROTECT his QB...this is guy who WILL find the open receivers if he has time...run the football and keep a back in to help out Steward on obvious passing situations...Steward had an awesome debut, but is in only his 2nd pro start...Jones needs to remember this.

For the Lions this season, this will be a constant refrain, coacing, Coaching, COACHING!
"Condemnation Without Investigation is the height of ignorance."

Albert Einstein
TheLionKing
Hall of Famer
Posts: 25103
Joined: Sat Feb 19, 2005 10:13 pm
Location: Vancouver

Khalif Mitchell will be sitting this one out. Westerman and Jordon did a good job filling in last week and need to do it again this week. On offence, Lions need to continue doing what they've been doing the last 2 weeks . Run, run and run
User avatar
B.C.FAN
Team Captain
Posts: 12579
Joined: Mon Nov 15, 2004 10:28 pm

This game comes down to Winnipeg's top-scoring offence, and No. 2-ranked passing offence, against B.C.'s second-ranked defence, which is No. 1 against the pass. It's a tough matchup for an injured Winnipeg team but Nick Moore and Clarencet Denmark are dangerous slots. If the Lions protect the ball on offence and STs and avoid giving up deep completions on defence, they'll win.
Blitz
Team Captain
Posts: 9094
Joined: Fri Jul 22, 2005 8:44 am

Explosive offence. Harris. Logan. Arceneaux. Glenn. Young O Line has potential. Pass protection an issue, as it is pretty much every year, in this regime. WCJ
STs are BLAH...we don't have well coached blocking schemes, and when we do bust one, its called back on a penalty...how is Logan 5th in the league in returns with his talent? Easy answer...not great blocking and tons of penalties...and aren't these 2 things on the coach to fix? Benevides needs to shut up and make sure things are flowing the way they are supposed to.

Washington needs to continue to be aggressive...and Jones needs to PROTECT his QB...this is guy who WILL find the open receivers if he has time...run the football and keep a back in to help out Steward on obvious passing situations...Steward had an awesome debut, but is in only his 2nd pro start...Jones needs to remember this.For the Lions this season, this will be a constant refrain, coacing, Coaching, COACHING! MLF
On offence, Lions need to continue doing what they've been doing the last 2 weeks . Run, run and run. TLK
This game comes down to Winnipeg's top-scoring offence, and No. 2-ranked passing offence, against B.C.'s second-ranked defence, which is No. 1 against the pass. It's a tough matchup for an injured Winnipeg team but Nick Moore and Clarencet Denmark are dangerous slots. If the Lions protect the ball on offence and STs and avoid giving up deep completions on defence, they'll win. BC Fan


Its interesting that on our Leos depth chart for this game we have the usual Arsenault and Taylor at the slots and Ernest Jackson and Gore at the wideouts in the four reciver package but we have Iannuzzi at the top of the depth chart for the fifth receiver package, with Poblah ranked second behind him and Haidara third. Adekelo is not even on the depth chart.

It makes me unhappy. Haidara is a much better receiver than Poblah and Adekolu deserves a shot over him as well - our coaches raved about him during pre-season and he was impressive while Poblah was not - I don`t get it.

On defense I see that Torri Williams and Adekolu have been placed on the one game injured list and Hardy Tuliau has taken Torri Williams spot. Does anyone know if Torri Williams is actually injured?
"When I went to Catholic high school in Philadelphia, we just had one coach for football and basketball. He took all of us who turned out and had us run through a forest. The ones who ran into the trees were on the football team". (George Raveling)
User avatar
Rammer
Team Captain
Posts: 22320
Joined: Thu Oct 03, 2002 6:04 pm
Location: Coquitlam, B.C.

Blitz wrote:
It makes me unhappy. Haidara is a much better receiver than Poblah and Adekolu deserves a shot over him as well - our coaches raved about him during pre-season and he was impressive while Poblah was not - I don`t get it.

On defense I see that Torri Williams and Adekolu have been placed on the one game injured list and Hardy Tuliau has taken his spot. Does anyone know if Torri Williams is actually injured?
I am with you on the Adekolu front, his size and catching ability was literally head and shoulders above Iannuzzi, and he showed more in those two games than we have seen out of Poblah to date. It just makes you frustrated to become a Lion out of the draft, you sit on the bench due to being a rookie N. Can you imagine how much further along Clermont was able to get without Wally and company, he would have been behind two years, as our young Canadian's are, and that is rather disturbing since our front office is made out of mostly Canadian's.

I think that Torri Williams tweaked something last game (hamstring maybe), but won't be sidelined for long, well unless Hardy Tuliau does extremely well.
Entertainment value = an all time low
Blitz
Team Captain
Posts: 9094
Joined: Fri Jul 22, 2005 8:44 am

Rammer wrote:
Blitz wrote:
It makes me unhappy. Haidara is a much better receiver than Poblah and Adekolu deserves a shot over him as well - our coaches raved about him during pre-season and he was impressive while Poblah was not - I don`t get it.

On defense I see that Torri Williams and Adekolu have been placed on the one game injured list and Hardy Tuliau has taken his spot. Does anyone know if Torri Williams is actually injured?
I am with you on the Adekolu front, his size and catching ability was literally head and shoulders above Iannuzzi, and he showed more in those two games than we have seen out of Poblah to date. It just makes you frustrated to become a Lion out of the draft, you sit on the bench due to being a rookie N. Can you imagine how much further along Clermont was able to get without Wally and company, he would have been behind two years, as our young Canadian's are, and that is rather disturbing since our front office is made out of mostly Canadian's.

I think that Torri Williams tweaked something last game (hamstring maybe), but won't be sidelined for long, well unless Hardy Tuliau does extremely well.
Thanks for the info on Wiliams. Like you, Ièm confused aboutl both Adekolu and the opportunities Poblah has been given so far. We also need to start using Gore and Ernest more, as well as our fifth receiver needs to get open when we go five receiver set...as teams focus more in our primary receivers.
"When I went to Catholic high school in Philadelphia, we just had one coach for football and basketball. He took all of us who turned out and had us run through a forest. The ones who ran into the trees were on the football team". (George Raveling)
User avatar
B.C.FAN
Team Captain
Posts: 12579
Joined: Mon Nov 15, 2004 10:28 pm

It takes more than good hands to be a CFL receiver. It usually takes two or three years before a receiver can become a regular contributor. Arceneaux, Taylor, Jackson, Gore, Iannuzzi and Poblah have all been polishing their craft for several years, and all took at least two or three years to become starters. Even past Lion greats like Geroy Simon and Paris Jackson developed slowly. Simon's breakout season came in his fifth year in the league and third year as a Lion. It takes time for receivers to learn to read coverages, set up their man, run clearing routes, picks and rubs, pick up blitzing DBs, run hot routes and scramble routes, block downfield and stay out of the way of other receivers.

Adekolu made a couple of nice catches in preseason, mainly on broken plays and against third-string DBs. He landed a spot on the 46-man roster (now on the 1-game injured list), which entitles him to a regular game cheque. That's a huge accomplishment for a first-year player. That doesn't qualify him to start ahead of a veteran such as Iannuzzi or Poblah, who are both in their fourth year in the league. His time will come.
User avatar
DanoT
Hall of Famer
Posts: 4309
Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2007 6:38 pm
Location: Victoria, B.C. in summer, Sun Peaks Resort in winter

B.C.FAN wrote:It takes more than good hands to be a CFL receiver. It usually takes two or three years before a receiver can become a regular contributor. Arceneaux, Taylor, Jackson, Gore, Iannuzzi and Poblah have all been polishing their craft for several years, and all took at least two or three years to become starters. Even past Lion greats like Geroy Simon and Paris Jackson developed slowly. Simon's breakout season came in his fifth year in the league and third year as a Lion. It takes time for receivers to learn to read coverages, set up their man, run clearing routes, picks and rubs, pick up blitzing DBs, run hot routes and scramble routes, block downfield and stay out of the way of other receivers.

Adekolu made a couple of nice catches in preseason, mainly on broken plays and against third-string DBs. He landed a spot on the 46-man roster (now on the 1-game injured list), which entitles him to a regular game cheque. That's a huge accomplishment for a first-year player. That doesn't qualify him to start ahead of a veteran such as Iannuzzi or Poblah, who are both in their fourth year in the league. His time will come.
:whs:
User avatar
Rammer
Team Captain
Posts: 22320
Joined: Thu Oct 03, 2002 6:04 pm
Location: Coquitlam, B.C.

B.C.FAN wrote:It takes more than good hands to be a CFL receiver. It usually takes two or three years before a receiver can become a regular contributor. Arceneaux, Taylor, Jackson, Gore, Iannuzzi and Poblah have all been polishing their craft for several years, and all took at least two or three years to become starters. Even past Lion greats like Geroy Simon and Paris Jackson developed slowly. Simon's breakout season came in his fifth year in the league and third year as a Lion. It takes time for receivers to learn to read coverages, set up their man, run clearing routes, picks and rubs, pick up blitzing DBs, run hot routes and scramble routes, block downfield and stay out of the way of other receivers.

Adekolu made a couple of nice catches in preseason, mainly on broken plays and against third-string DBs. He landed a spot on the 46-man roster (now on the 1-game injured list), which entitles him to a regular game cheque. That's a huge accomplishment for a first-year player. That doesn't qualify him to start ahead of a veteran such as Iannuzzi or Poblah, who are both in their fourth year in the league. His time will come.
If you were coaching, which player do you put in to wideside receiver, Iannuzzi, or Adekolu? Adekolu offered more in his preseason time than Iannuzzi has shown since year one, when he got playing time...something to think about. Clermont played from season 1 on and was a major contributor, so while the concept of learning your craft is good coach talk, at some point you have to put the guy who is going to go and catch balls when you have broken plays on the field.
Entertainment value = an all time low
TheLionKing
Hall of Famer
Posts: 25103
Joined: Sat Feb 19, 2005 10:13 pm
Location: Vancouver

Arceneaux should have caught that one
TheLionKing
Hall of Famer
Posts: 25103
Joined: Sat Feb 19, 2005 10:13 pm
Location: Vancouver

Goof return by Brown nullified by a holding penalty
TheLionKing
Hall of Famer
Posts: 25103
Joined: Sat Feb 19, 2005 10:13 pm
Location: Vancouver

Bombers doing a job moving the ball. Offence needs to get untracked
User avatar
swervynmerv
Legend
Posts: 1387
Joined: Fri Jul 10, 2009 10:42 pm

Poor start Leo's offence
Post Reply